Steve\u2019s Livestock Transport has been\u00a0transporting pigs for 29 years and now averages 150,000 pigs per week, building their first truck washing facilities in 1995. Since then, they have added 3 more locations and improved biosecurity measures, including undercarriage washing and Canada\u2019s first industrial-strength baking bays for livestock trailers.<\/p>\n
Running a clean and secure trip involves several factors.<\/p>\n
Drivers:\u00a0Must not live on premises where pigs are kept nor work at any hog facility, and pets are not allowed in their trucks. Drivers must also undergo rigorous training including livestock handling and biosecurity protocols.<\/p>\n
Trailers: Made and ordered to maximize biosecurity and ease of washing by preventing manure from entering crevices.<\/p>\n
Yard biosecurity:\u00a0All livestock, bedding and manure must be removed from a truck before it can enter any Steve\u2019s Livestock location, including wash bays. Clean and dirty trailers are kept apart via separate parking and loading areas, and trucks must be clean before leaving the yard.<\/p>\n
On-farm biosecurity:\u00a0Drivers make boarding changes to the truck\u2019s exterior before dressing to work inside. Never go beyond the trailer when loading or enter the barn to do their paperwork. Pigs that fall to the ground are never placed back in the trailer and chase boards are used inside the trailer to prevent pigs from returning to the barn.<\/p>\n
Biosecurity during transport:\u00a0Drivers must be aware of other livestock trailers on the road and may need to follow predetermined routes if stipulated by the customer or logistics coordinator. GPS software shows which routes trucks have taken at any given time.<\/p>\n
Wash bays: All washers cannot live on premises where pigs are kept. Suits and boots are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each wash, as are the floors in the staff room and common areas. Wash bays also feature a one way drive-through and sloped floors. Fresh air is continuously flowed through to prevent fog build up.<\/p>\n
Drying bays:\u00a0After washing, trailers are backed into mechanical dry bays\u00a0against a bank of aeration fans, where the air is heated to about\u00a035 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n
Baking bays:\u00a0Kill viruses and bacteria.\u00a0If requested, a\u00a0trailer can be parked in the bay at an ambient temperatureof 71-77 degrees for at least 10 minutes.<\/p>\n